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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
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Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Aug 1, 2025
Everyone knows that registering for Corporate Tax is required by law. But how does it work? This article provides detailed instructions on how to register without incurring a penalty and explains who is exempt from registration.
- What is a UAE Corporate Tax?
- Who needs to register for Corporate Tax?
- Where should you register for Corporate Tax in the UAE?
- Required documentation for Corporate Tax registration
- Steps of Corporate Tax Registration in the UAE (Step-by-Step)
- Post Corporate Tax registration process: Compliance and reporting obligations
- Corporate Tax requirements for foreign-owned businesses
- Common mistakes to avoid during registration
- Deregistering from Corporate Tax in the UAE
- Corporate Tax registration with movingo
- Corporate Tax registration FAQ
What is a UAE Corporate Tax?
First, let's understand what Corporate Tax is in the UAE. It's a direct tax charged on a company's taxable income. It’s quite straightforward:
Regardless of your income, or lack thereof, you are required to register for Corporate Tax. Now, let's take a closer look.
- Businesses pay a 9% tax on their yearly taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.
- Income up to AED 375,000 is tax-free at a 0% rate.
Regardless of your income, or lack thereof, you are required to register for Corporate Tax. Now, let's take a closer look.
Who needs to register for Corporate Tax?
- Mainland companies
- Free Zone companies (even if they benefit from 0% tax)
- Foreign companies that have a permanent establishment in the UAE
- Freelancers or individuals with business income over AED 1 million per year
💡 Note: You don’t need to register if you are a salaried employee.
Where should you register for Corporate Tax in the UAE?
You must register through the official EmaraTax platform by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). This is the only platform where tax registration and filing are managed in the UAE.
Don't worry about registering or dealing with the legal aspects yourself. Let the experts handle it for you. They'll take care of it quickly and legally.
Required documentation for Corporate Tax registration
To register for Corporate Tax, prepare the following documents:
- Trade License (valid copy)
- Emirates ID and passport (for all owners/shareholders)
- Company's Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Contact details (email, phone, office address)
- Bank account details
- Authorized Signatory proof (such as Power of Attorney)
- Financial statements or estimated figures
Steps of Corporate Tax registration in the UAE (Step-by-Step)
Easy way with movingo
- Contact us via email or messengers
- Send documents
- Done!
Standard way
- Create an EmaraTax Account
- Log In and start Corporate Tax registration
- Fill in company details
- Add ownership information
- Provide business activities and address
- Submit financial information
- Review and submit
Post Corporate Tax registration process: Compliance and reporting obligations
There are a few things you need to do after registering:
- Keep your Tax Registration Number (TRN) safe — you’ll need it for all tax filings
- Update your accounting records and prepare for your annual tax return.
- If eligible, apply for Small Business Relief
Corporate Tax requirements for foreign-owned businesses
If you're a foreign investor or own a UAE business from abroad:
- You must register if your UAE business generates income exceeding AED 375,000.
- A foreign company with a permanent establishment in the UAE is taxable.
- Companies in Free Zones with foreign owners must still register. Some may qualify for a 0% tax rate, but they must meet strict conditions.
Why don't you consult a tax expert in the UAE to see if your business is eligible for the benefits of the Free Zone?
Common mistakes to avoid during registration
-
Missing deadlines
You can face fines up to AED 20,000 -
Wrong or outdated documents
Also can lead to fines up to AED 20,000 -
Not registering because of 0% tax
Fines up AED 10,000 -
Incorrect financial year
This affects your reporting deadlines and can result in fines -
Forgetting to update ownership or license changes
Confusing documents can get you fined
Deregistering from Corporate Tax in the UAE
If your business closes or stops operations:
- Log in to EmaraTax
- Go to Corporate Tax → Deregister
- Submit final return and cancellation reason
- Wait for approval from the FTA
You shouldn't unregister without a good reason. Why don't we chat and see if there's anything we can do to help? Maybe we can figure out if it's really necessary.
Corporate Tax registration with movingo
Corporate Tax in the UAE can be a bit of a pain, but it's not so bad if you know what you're doing. Make sure you register early, keep all your records in order, and pay attention to deadlines. Whether you're running a small business, working as a freelancer, or investing, it's important to stay compliant to avoid any nasty surprises. To avoid doing everything on your own, give us a call and we'll help you out:
- Collect all documents you need for registration
- We will guide you through this process or do it for you
- Ensure that all deadlines are met
- We'll answer all your questions
We've helped hundreds of businesses get organized and operate legally in the UAE. We're still here to help! Give us a call and we'll walk you through the process. We'll find the best solution for you.
Corporate Tax registration FAQ
EmaraTax is the official online tax services system of the UAE government.
After filing your tax return in EmaraTax, the system will show the amount you need to pay. You can pay directly through UAE bank account (GIBAN), online transfer or debit card.
Yes, you must register if your business earns more than AED 375,000 per year, even if your final tax rate is 0%.
Yes, Corporate Tax is mandatory for all businesses that qualify, starting in June 2023.
0% on income up to AED 375,000 and 9% in other cases.
You can pay using GIBAN. credit card or bank account transfer on the EmaraTax portal.
Everyone who does business in the UAE. This does not apply to employees.
In short: Taxable Income = Total Business Income – Allowable Expenses
You can get a general idea of the process by watching a YouTube tutorial, or you can contact a professional to do it correctly. 😉
If you fail to register for Corporate Tax by the deadline, the FTA can apply a penalty of AED 10,000
You can now register at any time via EmaraTax. Based on your financial year, it’s best to register before your first tax period starts.
The exact deadline depends on the date your license was issued and the financial year.
What to read next
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